PAY points at Blackburn and Darwen town halls are to be closed, with the services handed to local newsagents and post offices.

If agreed on Thursday night, it will no longer be possible to pay council tax at the front desk of either town hall from January.

Staff currently employed in the cashiers offices will be put on the list to be redeployed.

Bosses say the changes will lead to a more “flexible and accessible” service.

It is not yet known which shops will be able to take payment as the town hall is set to put the new service out to tender.

Just under half of the borough’s residents pay their council tax in cash, with the majority using direct debit.

Advice on benefits will continue to be provided in the town hall reception.

Click on the link below for our exclusive story on the Blackburn with Darwen cuts.